Chief Minister P.S. Golay, during the World Environment Day celebrations, declared Blue Duke as the State Butterfly of Sikkim on Sunday. The announcement was made at Saramsa Garden near Ranipool during the event organized by the Forest department.

Blue Duke, a native butterfly species of Sikkim, edged past another contender Krishna Peacock to be announced as the State Butterfly of Sikkim. The two butterflies, among the 720-odd butterfly species, had been shortlisted for the State Butterfly nominations.

According to the Forest department, an online voting was conducted between April and September to select the State Butterfly. Among the 4036 votes, 57% of the votes went in favour of Blue Duke while 43% voted for Krishna Peacock.

By: Brijesh Kumar